Costco Recalls Kirkland Organic Eggs in Five States Over Salmonella Concerns

Costco has issued a recall on its Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-count eggs due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall, announced on November 28, 2024, affects approximately 10,800 cartons distributed across five states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what happened, how to identify the affected products, and what you should do if you’ve purchased them.

Details of the Recall

The affected eggs, produced by Handsome Brook Farms, carry the following identifiers:

UPC Code: 9661910680

Julian Code: 327

Use-By Date: January 6, 2025

These details can be found on the side of the plastic carton. If your carton matches these specifications, you’re advised to stop using the eggs immediately and return them to Costco for a full refund. Alternatively, the eggs can be discarded, but they must be disposed of in a way that prevents animals from accessing them.

The recall stems from a supply chain error, according to a notice posted by Handsome Brook Farms with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eggs that were not intended for retail sale were mistakenly packaged and distributed as retail products. The company has since implemented stricter supply chain controls and additional staff training to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Contact Information for Concerns

Customers with questions about the recall can contact Handsome Brook Farms at [email protected] or call 646-733-4532, extension 1, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time).

Understanding Salmonella Risks

Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting around 1.35 million infections annually. The illness results in about 450 deaths per year, making it a serious public health concern.

Salmonella infections typically arise from consuming contaminated food. Symptoms can include:

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Fever

These symptoms usually appear within six hours to six days after exposure and can last four to seven days. While most people recover without medical treatment, some cases—especially among vulnerable populations—require hospitalization.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain groups are more susceptible to severe complications from salmonella, including:

Children under the age of five

Adults aged 65 and older

Individuals with weakened immune systems

For these populations, salmonella can lead to severe dehydration, bloodstream infections, or even death in rare cases.

Preventive Measures

While food recalls like this one help mitigate risk, there are additional steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from salmonella:

Cook Eggs Thoroughly: Always cook eggs until both the whites and yolks are firm. Dishes containing eggs should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).

Wash Hands and Surfaces: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that come into contact with them.

Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw eggs separate from other foods, especially those that won’t be cooked, like salads or fresh produce.

Store Eggs Properly: Refrigerate eggs promptly at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower to slow the growth of bacteria.

A Widespread Issue

This recall is part of a broader issue with foodborne illnesses in the United States. According to the CDC, salmonella is the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne pathogens. Public health initiatives aim to reduce these numbers, but individual actions, such as following safe food handling practices, play a crucial role in prevention.

Why This Recall Matters

Food recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the food supply chain. While it’s reassuring that the recall is relatively small—limited to 10,800 cartons—it underscores the potential risks associated with food distribution errors.

For Costco shoppers, the prompt action by the company and Handsome Brook Farms demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety. However, the recall also highlights the critical need for improved supply chain oversight to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

If you live in one of the affected states and believe you’ve purchased the recalled eggs, don’t take any chances. Either return the product to Costco or dispose of it safely. Stay informed, stay cautious, and remember: when it comes to food safety, it’s better to err on the side of caution.